Permit to burn

An application to burn needs to be submitted to obtain a permit to burn at all times throughout the year for any burning off.

All burn permits expire on 30 November each year or when the fire danger period is declared (whichever comes first). Officers commence fire danger inspections the end of October each year and no permits will be issued after the end of October.

Outside of the fire restriction period (also known as the fire danger period) residents in non built up residential areas are able to apply for a permit to burn. (Built up areas with lots of housing and traffic would be adversely affected by smoke so permits are not issued).

A permit to burn is only issued for the purpose of burning general garden refuse, trees, leaves etc. and not for the burning of any painted or treated wood and furniture, household rubbish, mattresses, wire, twine, old lounges, aerosol cans, paint tins and the like. You will not get a permit to burn off anything that can give off toxic fumes which could endanger health. You cannot bring goods onto your property to then burn, it is only for excess garden waste trees etc. already on your property.

When to apply

We require the completed application form immediately after the expiration of the fire danger period. Due to the quantity of applications received initially there may be a delay of up to 3 weeks in the issuing of permits.

Inspections

Once we have received the completed application form one of our fire prevention officers will ring you to arrange a meeting to discuss your needs and to inspect the proposed burn site to ensure all conditions are understood and that they can be met.

They may, or may not, issue a permit. There is no charge for a permit to burn.

Late applications

Any permit to burn applications received after the end of October each year will be held over until after the fire danger period finishes then processed.

Need to know more...

For further information on the fire danger period please contact the Country Fire Authority.